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DESC0022682

Project Grant

Overview

Grant Description
Mooring connector for unmanned FOWT platform hook-up and disconnection.
Awardee
Place of Performance
San Francisco, California 94110-2714 United States
Geographic Scope
Single Zip Code
Analysis Notes
Amendment Since initial award the End Date has been extended from 06/26/23 to 08/27/23.
Other Lab was awarded Project Grant DESC0022682 worth $200,000 from the Office of Science in June 2022 with work to be completed primarily in San Francisco California United States. The grant has a duration of 1 year 2 months and was awarded through assistance program 81.049 Office of Science Financial Assistance Program. The Project Grant was awarded through grant opportunity FY 2022 SBIR/STTR Phase I Release 2.

SBIR Details

Research Type
SBIR Phase I
Title
Mooring Connector for Unmanned FOWT Platform Hook-Up and Disconnection
Abstract
Problem Statement: Floating wind has a large potential, with 26GW expected to be deployed worldwide in the next 6-8 years. Unlike fixed offshore wind platforms, floating wind platforms can be disconnected from their mooring and cabling systems and be towed back into port for maintenance and other upgrades. Challenges remain, however, to quickly connect and disconnect mooring lines to the floating wind platform. Ideally, no personnel or temporary equipment should be required to be on the platform during this hook-up process to minimize time offshore, safety risks and costs. Unique Solution: Otherlab has designed a ROV-operated quick-connect mooring connector, which can be placed in line with synthetic rope, wire rope or heavy-duty chain. The connector can be designed to have the same minimum breaking load as 150mm+ (6”) chain. Used in tandem with a commercially-available mooring adjuster, the mooring system can be hooked up without the use of large winches nor personnel onboard the platform. Phase I Activities: In Phase I, Otherlab seeks to design and fabricate a scaled version of the quick connect device. The device will be designed with an ROV-operated hydraulic system in order to achieve the locking strength required. In the laboratory, the hydraulic system will be placed on a dry bench, while the mooring connector can be tested in a submerged environment in realistic conditions. After testing, Otherlab will begin preparations for certification of the device in Phase II. Commercial Applications and Other Benefits: If carried to Phase II or Phase III, this mooring connector has the potential to have a large penetration of the mooring component market, up to 30%. Floating offshore wind developers are seeking solutions to expedite the platform hook-up and disconnect process, whilst reducing risk to offshore personnel. This technology is also well-suited to other marine energy devices, such as wave and tidal devices, which also need to be towed to port for costly maintenance activities. Summary for Members of Congress: Floating wind turbines have a large potential to create manufacturing, operating and maintenance jobs at ports around the country. Currently, the operation to connect and disconnect floating wind turbines to their mooring system is costly, lengthy and cumbersome, requiring machinery and personnel to be transferred to the platform. Otherlab’s solution can reduce installation costs by and hook-up time by up to 50%.
Topic Code
C54-17a
Solicitation Number
None

Status
(Complete)

Last Modified 7/10/23

Period of Performance
6/27/22
Start Date
8/27/23
End Date
100% Complete

Funding Split
$200.0K
Federal Obligation
$0.0
Non-Federal Obligation
$200.0K
Total Obligated
100.0% Federal Funding
0.0% Non-Federal Funding

Activity Timeline

Interactive chart of timeline of amendments to DESC0022682

Transaction History

Modifications to DESC0022682

Additional Detail

Award ID FAIN
DESC0022682
SAI Number
None
Award ID URI
SAI EXEMPT
Awardee Classifications
Small Business
Awarding Office
892430 SC CHICAGO SERVICE CENTER
Funding Office
892401 SCIENCE
Awardee UEI
J9DRQLG8JP97
Awardee CAGE
5H5Y5
Performance District
11
Senators
Dianne Feinstein
Alejandro Padilla
Representative
Nancy Pelosi

Budget Funding

Federal Account Budget Subfunction Object Class Total Percentage
Science, Energy Programs, Energy (089-0222) General science and basic research Grants, subsidies, and contributions (41.0) $200,000 100%
Modified: 7/10/23